Are Computer Keyboards Dishwasher Safe?

[Astronuc]

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11029793

Morning Edition, June 14, 2007 · Studies show that computer keyboards have more bacteria than toilet seats. But it's hard to clean all those keys. So some people advocate an extreme solution: Throw your keyboard in your dishwasher.

At first glance, this seems insane. But the computer-keyboard-in-the-dishwasher advice is all over the Internet. And don't we wish it were true? My keyboard is an old Hewlett Packard that's encrusted with a kind of mysterious black grime. I thought, "Well, why not try my KitchenAid?'"

I ran the experiment one night. I put the keyboard on the top rack, cord and all, key-side down. I used a little soap, and hit "normal wash." (I didn't want to pots 'n' pans it.)

I was encouraged to do this by Scott Moschella, a computer guy who runs a blog called Plastic Bugs.

"I think now when you type 'keyboard' and 'dishwasher' into Google, my site comes up as one of the first results," Moschella says. "Clearly, you know, all it takes is one geek to do something stupid, and you've got a whole bunch of lemmings who are willing to jump off a cliff with you."

Not only do we have geeks, but we have lemming geeks.

Actually, for those who spill beverages or spew liquids on keyboards, there is hope.

A few companies do. In fact, a Florida company called Seal Shield makes keyboards that are "dishwasher safe." It says so right on the box.

It works 9 ft underwater in a chlorinated swimming pool!

http://sealshield.com/

The world's first DISHWASHER SAFE keyboard and mouse. Now you can truly clean and disinfect your keyboard!

http://sealshield.com/news.htm

 

[Four]

I whish I could put my laptop in a dishwasher.

 

[Smurf]

This has made me so happy. I think I'm going to cry.

 

[Office_Shredder]

I whish I could put my laptop in a dishwasher.

My laptop's so bad I think I'll do it anyway

 

[Kurdt]

This has made me so happy. I think I'm going to cry.

Don't cry over your computer unless you're sure its keyboard is dishwasher safe.

 

[russ_watters]

The answer to the question is yes, though it probably depends on the keyboard. I've had The Best Keyboard Ever Made for about 12 years now and I occasionally disassemble it and wash all the parts in my diswasher except for the plastic printed circuit sheet, which I just wipe off with a wet paper towel.

 

[Astronuc]

The answer to the question is yes, though it probably depends on the keyboard. I've had The Best Keyboard Ever Made for about 12 years now and I occasionally disassemble it and wash all the parts in my diswasher except for the plastic printed circuit sheet, which I just wipe off with a wet paper towel.

Yes - most or all the keyboard suppliers recommend wiping the keyboard with a damp cloth, and certainly one can use a disinfectant on the cloth, but don't spray liquid on the keyboard.

 

[BobG]

The answer to the question is yes, though it probably depends on the keyboard. I've had The Best Keyboard Ever Made for about 12 years now and I occasionally disassemble it and wash all the parts in my diswasher except for the plastic printed circuit sheet, which I just wipe off with a wet paper towel.

Yes. This is the best method to clean your keyboard. Everything but the circuit board can go in the dishwasher.

The problem is the people that hear half the story and stick their assembled keyboard in the dishwasher. It probably will still work if you disassemble it and dry it off completely before trying to use it again, but then, if a person were smart enough to do that, they probably would have disassembled it before they put it in the dishwasher.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

Ironically: Years ago while in College I did time working for a company that mass produced circuit boards. First we did the hand work, then they went through the auto insertion, QC, QC, solder wave tank, and then... the dishwasher.

The solder flux is water soluable.

 

[Moonbear]

Yes - most or all the keyboard suppliers recommend wiping the keyboard with a damp cloth, and certainly one can use a disinfectant on the cloth, but don't spray liquid on the keyboard.

I always just cleaned the keys with cotton swabs and alcohol. Cleans and disinfects, and then evaporates quickly so it isn't too long before it's safe to plug back in.

 

[Beeza]

Anybody have a white macbook? I've seen those get pretty gross, which is why I've been hesitating to buy one. Do they clean easily if one takes the time?